Have your December days been filled with a happy whir of activity? Did Christmas come quicker than you expected? If so, you are not alone. I am so grateful for all of my followers, collectors and wonderful artist friends. Before I launch into the highlights of the last 2 or 3 weeks, let me first say...God bless you all each and everyone!

Now, here we go...

December 9 was a double duty, double fun night. The Madeley Fine Art Gallery in Conroe had their members' meeting, artist demo and December Member's Exhibition opening reception overlapping Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church Art Gallery in The Woodlands Holiday Art and Craft Market. I participated in both, but didn't have as much time to get photos. Regardless, both were very busy and wonderful with amazing art, good people and fun for all! (See photos below.)

If you missed the End of Year Celebration at Studio 122 in Houston, make sure to catch it next year. Lots of talented artists, refreshments, great conversations and, of course, ART! I had fun reconnecting with the founder of the studio and former Galerie Spectra alum, Suzanne Buckland. I also met several artists that were new to me including Ruby R. Scott. She has a studio in the same building so Suzanne and I joined her down the hall to check out her newest creations at Arts a Daisy Gallery. Another 2fer!

I promise to share photos of my own art next time, but I need to get back to my family. After all, it's Christmas y'all! Have a very merry hap-hap-happy Holiday! :-D

Greetings One and All! Do you feel a little pep in your step? A little Christmas cheer on the horizon? Well, I certainly do. And, I've been working like crazy with artwork in varying stages of completion plus making plans for attending holiday parties and events. In other words, I'm in Heaven! :-D

So, here's a snapshot of what's happening this month...(Read to the end to learn more about Santa!):

I have created some fun new art bottles. They can be used for a variety of purposes: bud vases, single photo holders, floral arrangements, ect. They are also very pretty on their own. Some of them are already on display at the Madeley Fine Art Gallery with some of my small 2D artworks, but others will be offered at events around the area. Here are a few of them. Let me know what you think!

They are decorated on all sides, so you have to check them out in person to really appreciate them.

In addition to working on these bottles, I am also still creating stream-of-conscious drawings. Here's one that is in progress. So far I've used gel pens, oil sticks, Sharpie markers and acrylic paint. Tentatively, it is called State of Emergency (see below).

Tomorrow evening (12/9/2023) I'll have a table (six feet!) full of all kinds of mixed media works available for purchase at the Northwoods Holiday Art Market. I'll be joined by a bunch of local artists, so you owe it to yourself to stop by and shop. The Holiday Art Market is FREE to enter and opens at 6p., but stick around. There'll also be a concert at 7:30p. Think of it as a holiday 2fer! Art to buy for your loved ones (or yourself), good people, good music. Want another reason to join us? A portion of the proceeds of this event goes to Northwoods Unitarian Church Ministries (see the flier below for full details).

If you can't make it to The Woodlands to shop tomorrow, then you'll definitely want to hit this awesome event in Houston: Studio 122 End of Year Party and ART SHOW

Come celebrate the end of the year with our friends at Studio 122 on Tuesday, December 12, 7-10pm. This is a get together for artists, art lovers, art collectors, friends, family and the whole community. Come celebrate 2024! BYOB and bites or enjoy their beverages and snacks. Here's the address:

Studio 122
The Silos at Sawyer Yards
1502 Sawyer St., Houston, TX 77007 

Please RSVP via Facebook HERE.

And, I would be totally remiss if I did not remind you all that the Madeley Fine Art Gallery's Christmas is for Giving is happening NOW and ends 12/24/2023. We literally have the entire place PACKED with every kind of artwork imaginable including a towering Christmas tree covered in handmade one-of-a-kind ornaments. Many of the works are extremely affordable and a portion of the proceeds goes to Art Student Scholarships that will be awarded Spring 2024 (check out the flier below.)

​Not everything going on in the art community revolves around shopping this month, though. There's always something new to do and learn at the Conroe Art League and this month is no exception. They have art classes aplenty. In fact, last Wednesday the 6th I dropped in to model for their Figure Drawing Group which is held the first and third Wednesday of every month. This is a fun group for live figure drawing. All skill levels are welcome. About half the class left before I was able to get some selfies but, as you can see, we were all having a really great time.

One of my favorite things about modeling for this group is checking out everyone's sketches when I'm through. Each artist has a unique take on the subject matter. Every person's artwork is as individual as their own signatures. (Click thumbnails below.)

The next Figure Drawing Group will be held on Wednesday, December 20 from 10a. to 1p. If you want to get in on the fun, use this link for more info and to contact Vickie Nash: ​https://conroeartleague.com/event-3477132?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=12/8/2023

But, what if you don't have time for all this stuff? What if you're busy planning your own holiday gathering and need something extra special to create holiday memories that last a lifetime?  Well, I've got just the tip for you.

​Meet our Santa - David Malin, an accomplished artist, professional costume/model maker, and Director of The Woodlands Art League! If you or anyone you know is on the lookout for an authentic Santa, Dave is available for photographers and events. Feel free to reach out to him at [email protected].

​Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas Everyone! :-D